The Hong Kong government, which holds a majority stake(股份), will continue to push for Disneyland’s improvements, an official said.
The theme park, which opened on Sept. 12, 2005, did not achieve its expected number of visitors for the second year in a row. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Frederick Ma told lawmakers, "The first two years of Hong Kong Disneyland’s operation were not satisfactory. The government will continue to urge (力劝) the park management to change business strategies and improve the park’s operational efficiency."
In its first year, Hong Kong Disneyland fell 400,000 short of its goal of 5.6 million visitors. Park officials have been secretive about second-year numbers, but the local media reports estimated up to 4.8 million visited the park in its second year.
"Even though we believe we do not have the responsibility to tell you the exact number of visitors, Hong Kong Disneyland has become one of the most visited theme parks in the world and a top attraction in Hong Kong since its opening two years ago," Hong Kong Disneyland spokeswoman Glendy Chu said in an e-mailed response.
Hong Kong Disneyland, a major representative of Disney entertainment for mainland China, has been criticized for being too small, and lacking the rides of its international sister parks in Tokyo, Paris and the United States. It is also facing increased competition from Ocean Park, a local sea-based adventure park, and reports that Disney is planning to build a theme park in Shanghai could add further pressure to the Hong Kong site.
The Hong Kong government owns a 57 percent stake in the park and paid for most of the $3.5 billion construction cost, but is reportedly not interested in spending more public money on the park’s expansion.
40. From the passage we know Hong Kong Disneyland ________.
A. was set up by the Hong Kong government
B. reached its planned number of visitors in its first year
C. didn’t achieve its expected goal in the second year again
D. blamed the Hong Kong government for its park strategies
41. We know Glendy Chu _______.
A. said Hong Kong Disneyland had about 4.8 million visitors in its second year
B. promised Hong Kong Disneyland would improve its operational efficiency
C. thought Hong Kong Disneyland had done a great job since its opening
D. admitted Hong Kong Disneyland was too small
42. What’s the attitude of the Hong Kong government towards Disneyland’s performance?
A. Unhappy. B. Unhelpful. C. Supportive. D. Concerned.